Powerful exhibit, magnificent view
Written: Jul 18 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: The view, the man
Cons: Some of the visitors
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| Volman's Full Review: Lincoln Memorial |
A few years ago, while visiting the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, we also visited the Lincoln Memorial because the two are in such close proximity. The two most striking things about the monument are the power given off by this massive exhibit, and also the great view which one can get from the top of the steps leading up to the Lincoln Monument. One of the better things about this memorial, and one which makes it a must see for anyone visiting Washington, is the simple fact that it is very easy to see and takes quite little time to do so. However, since visiting the Lincoln Memorial will also probably mean visiting the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the experience could turn into quite a lengthy one. Also, there really is little else to do at the memorial other than stare at it in awe, thinking of the great things accomplished by this man. However, many times just awed silence can be more than enough to make a monument great, and for this reason, the Lincoln Memorial stands as one of the most powerful and important exhibits in Washington, D.C.
Any visitor to the Lincoln Memorial who has a sense of American History will surely be in awe of this great exhibit. Huge and towering, it is almost impossible to miss even at a long distance. I got excited on the drive just seeing it from the window. The beauty of the monument only becomes more grand the closer you get, and standing at the bottom of the steps can be quite a moving experience. From here, it is quite a long way to the top, but a hike which is well worth it. Even seeing the giant redwoods in California didn't make me feel as small as I did standing next to this exhibit. Yes, some of this was due to the size of the exhibit, but a great deal of this had to do with the fact that you can still feel the power of this man well over 100 years after his death. It almost seems to me as if stands as a sentinel, watching out over the city of Washington, D.C. Visited in conjunction with the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, you will likely never get such a large dose of national pride at one time for the rest of your life.
Once you reach the top and stare at Lincoln for awhile, visitors must turn around and see the other great view of this site. Simply put, the view from the top of the Lincoln Memorial is amazing. It really is breath taking to see all of the historic sites you can see from the top of these steps. At the bottom are the Vietnam and Korean War Veterans Memorials, both of which can be seen in all their glory. It really was a great overview of these sites since it is hard to get an overall view of them while standing on the ground. Also seen from the top is the Reflection Pool, and a wonderful view of the Capitol Building. While it is almost impossible not to look out when you turn around to leave, I would encourage all visitors to stop for a few minutes and gaze over what I consider to be some of the most important monuments this country has to offer.
Like I mentioned earlier, one of the few drawbacks to the monument is that there is really little to do there other than stop and stare. As opposed to the other museums and monuments in Washington, D.C., it really doesn't have a whole lot to offer. However, I didn't seem to think this was a drawback, and neither did many of the people I was with. I think some of them were a little bored, but for the most part we were happy to be outdoors and viewing a great monument. It really was a nice chance to get away from the indoors crowds of most places within Washington, D.C. It was somewhat crowded while we were there, but nothing that I would consider unbearable. I would, however, assume that it gets much worse around certain national holidays and would recommend that people visiting try and stay away during these times unless you love massive crowds.
My only serious problem with the Lincoln Memorial came not with the exhibit, but with some of the people who were visiting there. I noticed one man putting out a cigarette on the steps, and while I found this a little odd, I let it go as I thought it was an isolated incident. However, not 2 minutes later, I witnessed another person actually spit on the ground at the foot of the monument. Now, I don't think he did this as any sort of disrespect to Lincoln, but I thought this gesture to be highly out of place. Behaviors such as these are not a problem for me at football games, but historic monuments such as these should be treated with more respect. I was really having to control my emotions, as I thought seriously about telling him off. Pigeons use the bathroom all over the monument and statue, but I would expect people to have a little more sense than birds. So, I would say to everyone: These are some of the most important monuments this country has to offer. Please take a little time before you act here like you would in your own backyard.
Other things that the exhibit has to offer were hundreds of little places lined up alongside selling every sort of souvenir under the sun. While I didn't buy anything, I can certainly see the charms of these, as many were quite unique things which I hadn't seen anywhere else. It was also noted that a great deal of these booths were set up by veterans who give a lot of the money to causes which help other veterans in need.
The Lincoln Memorial certainly is one of the most powerful monuments I have visited. The grand size of the monument certainly has something to do with this, but the majority of my feelings were caused by the fact that Lincoln still looks so regal sitting up there in his chair. It really is impressive that this man can still evoke all of these feelings so long after his death. The monument, while simplistic, does an excellent job of showcasing the power of this man. I was in awe from the first time I set eyes on the monument, and remained in awe until I took that last step off the bottom of the memorial. And, the memorial offers what I would consider to be the best view in all of Washington, D.C., simply because you can see so many important exhibits in such a short space. The Lincoln Memorial is certainly an important part of our country's history, and also one of the most powerful exhibits located in Washington, D.C.
Recommended:
Yes
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Volman
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Location: Straight from the Dec (Decatur/Atlanta), now in Knoxville, TN
Reviews written: 56
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